Walsall (H) F.A. Cup Second Round Preview...

The Cobblers go into Round Two of the Walsall double header, this time the F.A. Cup Second Round, on the back of a poor run of form and Stuart Gray will be hoping to put last week’s league defeat to the Saddlers behind them as we bid to make it to Round Three a the chance of a possible big name side in waiting.

Dean Bowditch has been denied the opportunity to play in the game as Ipswich did not grant him permission to play in cup ties during his loan spell with the club. Guy Branston has been given the all clear from Peterborough United though and will battle Liam Dolman for a place alongside Mark Hughes in defence. Giles Coke suffered another set back in his injury fight while playing for the reserves at Oxford on Tuesday night so will still be a couple of weeks away from first team action. Ian Henderson also played in that game and could make a return.

Walsall are still without Michael Dobson and Paul Boertian for the clash as both are missing with knee injuries. David McDermott hobbled out of the reserves midweek game with Bradford and is a doubt for the game.

THE STORY SO FAR…WALSALL IN 2007/08…

Walsall sit in the top half of the League One table going into the game after last weeks’ 2-0 Sixfields win.The Saddlers had a tough start to life in League One, losing five of their opening six games and picking up just a point in their first month, on the opening day against Carlisle United.

Richard Money’s side picked up their first win, though, in September (a 2-1 win at Millwall) and momentum began to build for the side, who then went on to record further away wins at Hartlepool (1-0) and Doncaster (3-2).

Their first home win of the season came in a thumping 4-0 success over Huddersfield Town, Tommy Mooney wrapping up the win with the final goal.The following week, they gained a good point at Tranmere but were beaten at home by Southend United. A 1-1 draw at Bournemouth kept their away form rolling on and a 2-0 home win over Cheltenham Town began November well for the newly promoted side.

Another point on the road, this time a draw with Brighton, was followed by a 2-0 win over Shrewsbury Town in the first round of the F.A. Cup. Walsall were help to a goalless draw at home to Luton Town in League One before last weekend’s 2-0 win at Sixfields lifted them up to tenth in League One.


RECENT MEETINGS…

24/05/07: COBBLERS 0-2 WALSALL

Mark Bradley and substitute Ishmel Demontagnac seal a comfortable win at Sixfields last weekend.

05/05/01: COBBLERS 0-3 WALSALL

Brett Angel scores a second half hat-trick on the final day of the 2000/01 season as Walsall end the season in style.

25/11/00: WALSALL 3-0 COBBLERS

Jorge Leitao gives the home side an early lead and they never look back, as Paul Hall and Brett Angel seal a comfortable win.

23/02/09: COBBLERS 0-1 WALSALL

Darko Mavrak scores the only goal of the game in 65th minute to give Walsall all three points.

15/08/98: WALSALL 0-0 COBBLERS

In the Cobblers first away game of the season, we earn a good point at the Bescott Stadium.

28/12/97: COBBLERS 3-2 WALSALL

In a Christmas cracker, David Seal scores the opener at Sixfields. Chris Porter equalises but Chris Freestone puts us back in front. Jason Dozzell made it 3-1 just five minutes later before John Hodge made it 3-2 to set up a nervy ending but the Cobblers held out for the win.


FOR THE RECORD….COBBLERS v SADDLERS…

GAMES PLAYED: 73
COBBLERS WINS: 29
DRAWS: 15
WALSALL WINS: 29

No Saints 4-9 Posh...No Saints finish in 2nd place in League Two....

After an incredible season, No Saints unfortunately bowed out at the last in a 9-4 defeat to Posh last night, meaning that Red Star Five pipped us to the League Two trophy by one point after they gained an automatic win as their opponents failed to show up.

No Saints were 1-0 down early on but Abib pulled one back to level the scores. A freak goal that Aaron misjudged in goal made it 2-1 and Posh went from strength to strength to hammer home their advantage. Despite a plucky fight back from No Saints including goals from Andy, Nathan and, on his return from an 11 week lay-off, Phil, it wasn’t to be and we finish in second place.

Promotion is gained though and we start next season with tougher opposition where we can test ourselves to the very limit. It’s been a season full of incident, tight games and fight backs that has shown the real spirit in the camp. We’ve kept together a tight knit squad and now can call upon a squad of 9 once Will returns from injury to reclaim his place in goal.

We can be proud of our achievement and although it was disappointing to lose our grip on the title, No Saints have now well and truly lost the tag of league whipping boys.

Onwards to the next level!

The Midweek Review...28/11/07

Following a dismal home defeat to Walsall, we meet the Saddlers once again this weekend looking to turn the form around and scrape through to the F.A. Cup Third Round. Four league defeats in a row has taken us right back down to the dangers of being just above the relegation zone and things need to start turning quickly.

Just a few short weeks ago, back at the end of October, the Cobblers had just recorded their first away win of the season in a smash and grab effort at Oldham. That win kept us in the top half and talk was of a push for the playoffs. What a difference a month makes. Our only win of the month came against Darlington in the cup replay and league form has dipped dramatically as we crashed to four straight defeats.

One very worrying aspects of these defeats is that we havn’t managed to score once in all four games, going down 1-0 to Southend, Bristol Rovers and Crewe and then 2-0 to Walsall on Saturday. Andy Kirk seems to have suddenly lost his shooting boots but can’t be entirely to blame for the lack of goals and it just shows how dependant we’ve become on the front man.

Dean Bowditch could be a very good loan signing from Ipswich and given a good run in the side could produce the flair we’re so desperately missing at the moment. Giles Coke played again in the reserves yesterday and may even make the bench on Saturday. We’re very much in need of some sort of creativity in attack as the ball seems to go sideways far to often in the middle of the park. Alex Russell has done a good job for us and his experience will be missed but perhaps we need a bit more of an attacking option in there.

One option would have been Sam Aiston and having seen him come off the bench and do well at Crewe, I thought that his time had finally come under Stuart Gray to get a chance in the first team. So it was with great surprise that Aiston was loaned out to League Two’s bottom side Wrexham last week. With a distinct lack of invention from midfield, Aiston at least had something different to take on a player.

Walsall came and did a job on us far too easily on Saturday and we have to somehow pick ourselves up again for the cup tie on Saturday. Football works in strange ways and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if we were to beat the same side this weekend but from what we’ve seen it will be a very tough afternoon. The potential passage through to Round Three should lift the players and fans and hopefully we get a better result this time around. If the game goes to a replay, the teams will be sick and tired of each other by the time the replay happens!

What is needed now is for Stuart Gray to show his managerial know how and lift the players. Fans are getting worried about the rest of the season and Gray has a real job on his hand over the Christmas period to turn this poor form around. January will be a big month for transfers I would imagine and Gray will surely once again be delving into his contacts book. But until then we must remain behind the team and believe that we can turn it round.

With three of the top six teams to play in the next three league games, it won’t be an easy time at all!

Up The Cobblers!

Northampton Town 0-2 Walsall

The Cobblers were comfortably beaten at Sixfields as Walsall won Round One of our double header before next weekends’ F.A. Cup Second Round tie. Goals from gave the Saddlers the victory and the defeat leaves the Cobblers in a rut of four straight league defeats, all coming without a goal scored.

New loan signing Dean Bowditch started on the bench as Poul Hubertz shook off his injury. Guy Branston returned to the starting line-up, replacing Liam Dolman in defence.

Brad Johnson and Michael Ricketts had the first real chances of the game but both the Cobblers man and the Walsall striker, formerly an England international, fired over the cross bar. Colin Larkin then had a good chance at the far post but, after being set up by Andy Holt, shot wide of the post.

Ten minutes before the break, Michael Ricketts was sent clear on goal and Mark Bunn had to rush from his goal to challenge him, just about managing to clear. Bunn was forced into saving the Cobblers again just minutes later and did well to stop a long range effort from Darren Wrack.

The visitors ended the first half on a high and got their reward for pressing the Cobblers back as Mark Bradley scored at the second attempt to give Walsall a goal at the perfect time in the final few seconds of the half.

The goal scorer was in the thick of the action once again after half time as his shot was saved well by Bunn while the Cobblers struggled to get back into the game with Brad Johnson shooting wide of the mark.

Stuart Gray made a triple substitution on the hour mark as Alex Russell took the field in a Cobblers shirt for the final time alongside Dean Bowditch and Daniel Jones. They replaced Andy Holt, Joe Burnell and Andy Kirk.

Poul Hubertz, Dean Bowditch and Mark Hughes all had good chances to level the scores just after the substitutions but it was the visitors who sealed the win and rounded off a disappointing day for the Cobblers with just four minutes remaining.

As the Cobblers looked to get back into the game, there were gaps appearing at the back and Ishmel Demontagnac finished off a good move by slotting home a ball from the first scorer Bradley.

So a disappointing afternoon as our home form has now considerably weakened with three straight defeats in the league at Sixfields to go alongside the 1-0 reverse up at Crewe last weekend.

With three of the top six to face in consecutive league games, it could be a bleak winter for Stuart Gray’s side. We’ll have to improve greatly if we’re to forget about this defeat by beating Walsall in the cup next week.

Walsall (H) Preview...

The Cobblers take on Walsall in the first of two meetings in a row with the Saddlers. The first meeting tomorrow afternoon is for vital League One points with both sides sitting in mid-table going into the game.

Alex Russell will play his final game on loan with the Cobblers before returning to Bristol City while new loan signing Dean Bowditch will be included in the squad. Poul Hubertz is struggling with an ankle injury so Bowditch may even start the game while Guy Branston is eligible to return after missing Tuesday night’s F.A. Cup replay with Darlington.

For Walsall, Mark Bradley returns from international duty with Wales Under 21s but Michael Dobson and Paul Boertien are both missing through knee injuries. Loan signing Peter Sweeney could feature after signing from Stoke City on Thursday.


THE STORY SO FAR…WALSALL IN 2007/08…

Walsall sit two places above the Cobblers going into the game but a win would mean that we leapfrog our visitors before next weekends’ cup tie between the sides.

The Saddlers had a tough start to life in League One, losing five of their opening six games and picking up just a point in their first month, on the opening day against Carlisle United.

Richard Money’s side picked up their first win, though, in September (a 2-1 win at Millwall) and momentum began to build for the side, who then went on to record further away wins at Hartlepool (1-0) and Doncaster (3-2). Their first home win of the season came in a thumping 4-0 success over Huddersfield Town, Tommy Mooney wrapping up the win with the final goal.

The following week, they gained a good point at Tranmere but were beaten at home by Southend United. A 1-1 draw at Bournemouth kept their away form rolling on and a 2-0 home win over Cheltenham Town began November well for the newly promoted side.

Another point on the road, this time a draw with Brighton, was followed by a 2-0 win over Shrewsbury Town in the first round of the F.A. Cup. Last weekend, Walsall were help to a goalless draw at home to Luton Town in League One.


RECENT MEETINGS…

05/05/01: COBBLERS 0-3 WALSALL

Brett Angel scores a second half hat-trick on the final day of the 2000/01 season as Walsall end the season in style.

25/11/00: WALSALL 3-0 COBBLERS

Jorge Leitao gives the home side an early lead and they never look back, as Paul Hall and Brett Angel seal a comfortable win.

23/02/09: COBBLERS 0-1 WALSALL

Darko Mavrak scores the only goal of the game in 65th minute to give Walsall all three points.

15/08/98: WALSALL 0-0 COBBLERS

In the Cobblers first away game of the season, we earn a good point at the Bescott Stadium.

28/12/97: COBBLERS 3-2 WALSALL

In a Christmas cracker, David Seal scores the opener at Sixfields. Chris Porter equalises but Chris Freestone puts us back in front. Jason Dozzell made it 3-1 just five minutes later before John Hodge made it 3-2 to set up a nervy ending but the Cobblers held out for the win.

02/09/97: WALSALL 0-2 COBBLERS

At the beginning of the first season back in League One, David Seal and John Gayle give us a good early win on the road.


FOR THE RECORD…COBBLERS v WALSALL…

GAMES PLAYED: 72
COBBLERS WINS: 29
DRAWS: 15
WALSALL WINS: 28

Cobblers swoop for Ipswich forward

The Cobblers have signed Ipswich striker Dean Bowditch on a month long loan deal. The 21-year-old, former England Under-19 international, will go straight into the squad for this weekends’ home game with Walsall.

Bowditch has spent most of his career at Ipswich Town, beginning as a trainee in 2002. The majority of his appearances for the club have come from the substitute bench but Bowditch has also gone out on loan for three different clubs.

He played eight times for Burnley in 2005 before further loan moves to Wycombe and Brighton in 2006. With Poul Hubertz struggling to be hit for Saturday’s game, Bowditch could be handed a debut against the Saddlers.

The Midweek Review...22/11/07...

A mammoth trip to Crewe and back was just about recovered from in time to celebrate the Cobblers’ replay win over Darlington on Tuesday night. League form has dipped but the passage through to Round Two of the F.A. Cup means we now face Walsall twice in a row.

The whole of a long, long Saturday came to an end in the dying hours of the day as my huge rail trip via Stafford left me shattered to the core. I’d been treated to a day of delayed trains, bad weather and poor football yet still seemed delightfully happy with my day out. I’ve explored many a town during my Cobblers supporting life and Stafford was a nice one to check off the list and make the day that bit fuller. By the time I got to Crewe it meant that I’d had a great day whatever happened on the pitch, which was just as well.

We seem to be in a very strange position at this moment in time as we’re not playing brilliant football yet it’s not awful either. Three 1-0 league defeats in a row is more frustrating then getting hammered 5-0. At least with a real beating you can put your finger on what exactly is wrong! The game at Crewe only came to life when we brought on the subs and Sam Aiston, Daniel Jones and Brad Johnson all brought an extra bit of spark to the side. I wonder how close Aiston is to a start these days with no other real creativity in the midfield?

Crewe were never a massive threat, yet had something in their locker to undo us. At least we put up a fight in the end but it turned out that the late charge was just too late. I’d like to see Stuart Gray “go for it” a little more away from home as we seem to be waiting for something to happen before changing things.

Despite the run of defeats, we’re still in a good league position going into the Christmas and New Year Period, with three points on Saturday likely to push us back up towards the safety of the top half.

Darlington was always going to be a tricky cup tie and with fellow League One sides Leeds and Carlisle falling to lower league opposition we should be relieved that we were spared a mention in the “upsets” section of the sports headlines.

Good to see Andy Kirk getting back in the goals and although it was a relative tap in, it should still give him that bit of confidence back as he ended his barren run of later. Brad Johnson also scored on his return to the starting line-up and his spell on the sidelines certainly looks to have done him the world of good.

Walsall will visit Sixfields twice in a row in a bizarre couple of weeks but one thing is for sure with the Cobblers is that we won’t lose or win both of the games. They will more than likely be two completely different ties, especially with the carrot of a big side possibly awaiting the winners of the cup tie on Saturday week.

With a big month of December coming up, we need to get back on track in the league on Saturday so we’re not looking at playing catch up again in the second half of the season. I have no idea which game I’d prefer us to beat Walsall in if given a choice. The head says the league game but the heart would certainly tend to favour the cup win and a possible chance at a Premiership club. In an ideal world, we’d win both games but we all know that the Cobblers’ world is anything but ideal!

Up the Cobblers!

No Saints 5-4 Red Star Five

No Saints pulled off a remarkable victory last night to climb to the top of the League One table as a goal two minutes from time won a battle to the death with Red Star Five.

Abib gave us the lead early on and though the referee thought that the ball had gone through the side netting, credit to Red Star for correcting him and admitting that it went in. Red Star fought back to slam home an equaliser before Andy made it 2-1.

Red Star again clawed their way back into the game with a goal that trickled over the goal line and then took a 3-2 lead. Andy scored once again to level the scores and the game was set up for a big finish.

With the game tantalisingly poised at 3-3, Red Star took the lead once again with a well worked fourth but the end of the game showed all the spirit and determination that has become our trademark.

Goalkeeper Aaron equalised for No Saints as the game went from end to end- Aaron had been shooting for many weeks from his position in goal and it finally paid off after 367 attempts. Then, with two minutes to go, the moment that took us to the top of the league in dramatic fashion. Abib ran clear of the defence and his shot was saved by the onrushing keeper. The ball ran loose and I spotted the opportunity and tapped in the easiest goal I’ll ever score!

Two minutes seemed like twenty as we scrapped to keep the lead and the jubilation on the final whistle showed the unity and team spirit that has got us to this point. We’re now just one win away from claiming an extraordinary title win. It won’t be easy in our final game, against Posh next week, but we’ll need no motivation to go out and win the game with the prize at the end.

Whatever happens, it’s been a season to remember for No Saints and to even be in this position going into the final game is amazing.

No Saints vs Red Star Five Preview...

Following the euphoria of promotion being gained last week, it’s back to business tonight as there’s still a title to be won and lost. We take on top club Red Star Five tonight who are one point above us in the table going into the game.

Andy and Abib were missing last time we took on Red Star, a 5-0 reverse back in mid-October but both are in the squad tonight for the rematch and hopefully a closer game.

We’ve come a long way this season and promotion is a massive achievement for the players. If we can take three points tonight and be one game away from winning the League Two Championship it would be nothing short of miraculous!

If we’re not good enough to make the huge step to the title then so be it but we will make sure that Red Star are facing a gutsy, hearted runner up at the very least.

Northampton Town 2-1 Darlington

Goals from Andy Kirk and Brad Johnson sealed a 2-1 win for the Cobblers last night as we progress into the second round of a cup competition for the first time this season. Darlington were put the sword at Sixfields and despite a late Tommy Wright goal, we go on to face Walsall in Round Two.

On a wet night at Sixfields, Mark Hughes returned to the starting line-up after missing the Crewe defeat through suspension. Poul Hubertz also returned to partner Andy Kirk up front while Brad Johnson started after starting on the bench at Gresty Road.

Hubertz had the first chance of the game as he headed wide after just two minutes as the Cobblers looked for a bright opening to the game. Following a cleared corner, Brad Johnson tested Darlington keeper David Stockdale but the stopper managed to save the ball right on the line.

Steve Foster headed Darlington’s first real chance of the game over the bar at the other end before Colin Larkin shot into the side netting but the Cobblers did have the lead five minutes later. Hubertz caused all sorts of problems for Stockdale following a Colin Larkin cross and Stockdale dropped the ball into the path of Andy Kirk who side footed home the opening goal.

Five minutes before the break and it was two. Hubertz was again the provider as he teed up Brad Johnson who hit a powerful left footed shot past the stranded Stockdale to give us a commanding position at the interval.

Darlington started the second half brightly as Mark Bunn was forced to tip over the bar from Tommy Wright’s effort before the Cobblers came back into the game with Mark Hughes having a shot saved and shooting wide.

The Cobblers were looking for a third to really kill off the game and Andy Kirk had a chance at the near post but pulled the shot wide before Brad Johnson had a shot tipped over by Stockdale, resulting in a bizarre goal kick decision from the referee.

In the closing stages, Kirk hit the post while Jason Crowe had a goal disallowed but it was Darlington who would provide the final goal of the game after a large spell of pressure in the last five minutes resulted in Tommy Wright heading home a cross.

But that goal wasn’t enough and it’s the Cobblers who face Walsall at home in Round Two, just a week after we meet them in the league at Sixfields on Saturday afternoon!

Darlington (H) F.A. Cup First Round Replay Preview...

The Cobblers go into tonight’s F.A. Cup First Round Replay with Darlington waiting on the fitness of Poul Hubertz and definitely without Alex Russell and Guy Branston. Stuart Gray will be hoping to get back to winning ways after three defeats and the cup draw in the last four games.

Hubertz must wait for the results on an Achilles strain before knowing whether he can play a part while Russell and Branston are both ineligible for the game due to terms in their loan contracts. Branston can play should we make it to Round Two but must sit out tonight. Mark Hughes will return from suspension to join Liam Dolman at the back.

Darlington are without loan players Ritchie Foran, Ian Miller and Joe Colbeck but Pawell Abbott should play alongside Tommy Wright up front.

The winners of tonight’s replay will take on Walsall at home in Round two on December 1st.

Crewe Alexandra 1-0 Northampton Town

The Cobblers crashed to their third straight 1-0 defeat as a Ryan Lowe screamer proved the difference between the sides at Gresty Road on Saturday. Stuart Gray’s side were unfortunate not to get anything from the game but remain in the bottom half of the League One table going into tomorrow night’s cup replay with Darlington.

You know when you’ve woken up early when you switch on the TV to find “Trans World Sport” beaming back at you before turning over to Sky Sports News and see that the title of their programme is still on “Through The Night”. The reasons for my early rising were, firstly, that I was silly enough to make the journey from Southampton to Crewe for a League One football match and, second, because I planned to make a random stop somewhere between my scheduled change at Birmingham and Crewe itself.

It wasn’t as cold as I was expecting it to be as I stepped out of my flat at around 6am but the layers were all on in preparation for a chilly afternoon up north.

There’s a certain charm, I find, about being out and about at this hour of the morning and it reminded me of student life a little. The difference being, being awake at this time of day as a student meant that you were walking all the way back across town after a night about because “it’s not that far to walk.” Indeed, I did spot a couple of students leaving their friends’ house clutching the remains of a beer crate as they went.

I boarded the train just in time and had to turn around immediately to avoid the deadly “Quiet Zone.” I settled into a window seat to catch up on some sleep as this seat would be my home for the next three hours or so.

I woke up somewhere near Guildford (still on the train, fortunately) and decided that it was time for the first coffee of the day. Purchased at the train buffet (it was the only place open round those parts), it took me about five minutes to drink, such was its distinct lack of heat- a vital element of the hot drink I find.

We rolled on towards Reading and I tuned into the Virgin Trains audio service, which presented me with a choice of a)Dick and Dom’s wake up call, b)What seemed to be a recording of the train rolling along the tracks, c) Silence and d) Annoying pop songs. Option C was the most appealing but instead of sitting in silence pretending to listen to music, I opted for my book before turning my iPod on until Birmingham.

At Birmingham, it looked like two choices in terms of where to make my lunch stop before Crewe, those being Wolverhampton and Stafford. Stafford seemed the best bet and I hoped it would provide for my growing hunger needs.

This hunger would soon be satisfied as I arrived in the historical town of Stafford. Five minutes into my aimless walk around town I stumbled across a quaint little coffee shop, the Grove, providing coffee and sandwich needs. If a little overpriced, The Grove makes up for it in sheer attention to detail in making you feel like you’ve just walking into a time machine that takes you back to the Victorian times. The house has kept all the charm of days gone by and was a genuine treat to get lost in the décor and style of the place and start my day in style.

Despite a large Christmas parade marching through the centre of Stafford, meaning hoards of children running about with papier mache Christmas characters, I found it to be a lovely little town. Stafford has kept many an old building sustained and some restored with some shops converted from old town houses. The main high street has, inevitably, been taken over by major shopping outlets but other than that there was a real cosy feeling about the place.

Bustling my way through two papier mache wise men (I presume the other was in Oxfam after mishearing about a “Fur sale”), I ambled around the town in search of Stafford Castle, signposted a while back. After realising that it was a bit far out of town to reach in the time I had and with the rain falling, I headed back to the station to make the final leg of my journey to Crewe.

I managed to catch up with friends that I hadn’t seen since Swansea away back in March, in the “Clancy’s” pub over the road from the ground and we took in a couple of pints before just about missing kick off by five minutes due to sudden hunger needs.

We found a bunch of seats on the front row of the stand and the game immediately began to look like being a stalemate after just a few minutes. The Cobblers were without Chris Doig and Mark Hughes so started with a back four including Guy Branston making his debut.

The Cobblers started the brighter of the two teams but Andy Kirk’s flash shot over the bar was the closest we would come in the opening exchanges. Cedric Baseya, Crewe’s recent loan signing from Southampton, appeared to connect his elbow with Branston’s head early on and the new Cobblers loanee had to go off for stitches. No more punishment was given to Baseya despite the incident though.

Crewe hit the post mid-way through the half through a Julian Baudet free-kick before Gary Roberts forced Bunn into a good save as Crewe ended the half on top.

Guy Branston flicked a corner wide early in the second half but the game continued to be dominated by the midfields, meaning that it was likely to be a moment of quality or luck that broke the deadlock. It turned out to be a moment of quality as Baseya rose to nod a through ball back to Ryan Lowe who blasted a volley past Mark Bunn from twenty yards.

It was only through the substitutions when we really got going in the game as Sam Aiston and Daniel Jones came on and gave us more of an attacking edge, replacing Alex Russell and Andy Holt. Jones was creating things down the left while Aiston gave us a bit of urgency. Suddenly we looked able to get something from the game.

The third substitute, Brad Johnson, headed over before Liam Dolman was stopped by Crewe keeper Ben Williams. Ryan Gilligan then scrambled his way into the box but was also denied at the last by Williams. Andy Kirk and Sam Aiston had shots blocked while Dolman was denied with a volley but it wasn’t to be for The Cobblers and we went home empty handed.

The journey home was, in a word, long. I battled crowded trains (meaning I was crammed in a busy train corridor from Crewe to Reading), a mad dash for food in Birmingham including a “Millie’s Cookies” detour that nearly made miss the train (I thought a cookie would be nice treat for the journey home!) and a replacement bus service from Basingstoke to Winchester that I had to wait for twenty minutes in the cold for.

The journey from Crewe station to my front door took exactly six hours, meaning that I spent just seven hours in my flat on Saturday, the other 17 hours spent following the Cobblers. For five of those spare hours I was asleep, one hour I spent getting ready and the final hour relaxing at home with a well earned cup of tea and a very much forgotten about Millies Cookie, that was indeed a treat.

A day that sums up the toils of a football fan but ultimately I will look back on a good day out with a new town visited on the way and a good catch up with old friends.

Fair to say the day took it out of me but I’ll more than likely be doing a similar trip again soon!

Crewe Alexandra (A) Preview...

The Cobblers travel to Crewe tomorrow afternoon looking to improve their league form following a week off for cup action last week. Town have lost their last two league games at home to Southend and Bristol Rovers and the task will be made that bit more difficult with the loss of key defenders Chris Doig and Mark Hughes.

Chris Doig’s scan on his hamstring revealed that he needed surgery on a torn ligament so he is a new long-term absentee for Stuart Gray. Mark Hughes misses out through suspension so new loan signing Guy Branston may come in to bolster the defence. Daniel Jones, Brad Johnson and Andy Kirk will be pushing for a starting place after being rested to the bench at Darlington.

Former Cobblers loanee Lee Barnard, now on loan at Crewe is still missing for the home side with ankle ligament damage while fellow striker Nicky Maynard also not quite ready to return as yet. Midfielder Steven Schumacher will also sit out after being ruled out for up to six weeks with ankle ligament damage. Alex today signed Southampton striker Cedric Baseya on a month’s loan and Baseya goes straight into the squad for tomorrows’ game.


THE STORY SO FAR…CREWE IN 2007/08…

Crewe began the season with a 2-1 success over Brighton at Gresty Road. Two goals from Gary Roberts, one a penalty gave the hosts a perfect start to the season. Following a League Cup exit to Hull, Crewe drew 1-1 at Bristol Rovers in the league before suffering their first league defeat of the season at home to Leyton Orient.

A draw at Swindon, 1-1 was followed by a 2-0 home victory over Huddersfield Town, Lee Barnard and Eugen Bopp getting the goals. Alex were beaten 2-0 at Doncaster and held to a goalless draw at home to Millwall before Oldham beat them 3-2 in late September.

In a mixed month of October, Crewe claimed two draws (at Tranmere and Cheltenham), two defeats (Bournemouth and Southend) and one win (Luton), leaving them in mid-table.

November began with a 2-0 home win over Yeovil before winning 1-0 at Port Vale, Elliot Bennett grabbing the only goal. Last weekend, Alex saw off MK Dons in the F.A. Cup, making it three wins in a row going into the Cobblers clash.


RECENT MEETINGS…

03/02/07: COBBLERS 1-2 CREWE

Two goals from Luke Varney either side of a Brad Johnson reply for the Cobblers meant that Crewe took all three points from Sixfields.

05/08/06: CREWE 2-2 COBBLERS

On the opening day of last season, Ryan Lowe put Crewe in front before Scott McGleish equalised. David Vaughan’s goal on twenty minutes put the home side ahead once more but Andy Kirk made sure we went home with a point on our return to League One.

01/02/03: CREWE 3-3 COBBLERS

In a six-goal thriller, Steve Jones put Crewe in front before James Vaughan put them two up. Marco Gabbiadini pulled one back for the Cobblers from the spot and Richard Hope levelled the scores on the hour. Jones struck again with twenty minutes to go but Derek Asamoah salvaged a point.

10/08/02: COBBLERS 1-1 CREWE

Neil Sorvel put Crewe into the lead after half an hour but Marco Gabbiadini equalised with just three minutes to play.


FOR THE RECORD…RAILWAYMEN v COBBLERS...

GAMES PLAYED: 56
CREWE WINS: 21
DRAWS: 12
COBBLERS WINS: 23

Cobblers sign Branston on month long loan

The Cobblers have moved quickly to provide cover for Chris Doig’s injury by signing experienced defender Guy Branston on a months’ loan from local rivals Peterborough United. Branston, 28, will be allocated squad number five.

Branston began his career as a trainee at Leicester City but didn’t feature in a first team game until moving to Colchester United on loan in 1998. Making 21 starts for the U’s, Branston then had further loan spells at Plymouth, Rushden, Lincoln and Rotherham before signing permanently for the Millers in a £50,000 deal in November 1999.

The defender went on to make over a hundred appearances for Rotherham but left to join Wycombe Wanderers in 2003. The first of three stints at Peterborough began a couple of months later though and he eventually signed for Sheffield Wednesday in the summer of 2004. Branston made just a handful of appearances in his time at Hillsborough and rejoined Peterborough for another loan spell. He would finally signed permanently for The Posh after some time at Oldham but was sent out on loan at the start of this season to League Two Rochdale, playing five times.

Branston, who played against the Cobblers reserves for Posh on Tuesday afternoon, said, “I’m really amazed at how quickly everything has happened. I enjoyed my first training session with the lads on Thursday morning, we worked on team shape and if selected then I’m really looking forward to playing with them on Saturday up at Crewe.”

Cobblers boss Stuart Gray was happy with the deal that brings Branston to Sixfields on a month long loan initially but could lead to an extension at the end of the month.

“While we have some very talented centre backs on our books, they don’t have a great deal of experience between them so the knowledge and experience Guy will bring to us will be of benefit to the team and the other players,” Gray said.

“He impressed me in the reserve team game the other day, and he is a leader with a very good attitude. He has played a lot of games in the football league and he is a big and powerful defender. I am sure he will prove a good addition to the squad.”

Though Branston was signed after Saturday’s cup tie with Darlington and will miss the replay on Tuesday night, he is eligible to play in Round Two should the Cobblers make it through. Hopefully his experience will help out the younger defenders at the club and at the very least we have a bit of cover following the bad news on Chris Doig this morning!

Doig out for 3-4 months with torn ligament...

Cobblers captain Chris Doig will be out for at least three to four months after scans revealed that the defenders’ suspected hamstring injury was worse than first thought and is in fact a torn ligament in his knee. Doig pulled up while attempting to block the Darlington opener at the weekend and we will now be without our skipper for most of the remainder of the season.


“Chris Doig is going to need surgery.” Said Cobblers boss Stuart Gray, “and that will rule him out long-term.”

“We thought initially that it was just a hamstring injury and he’d only be out for a month or so but he has had a scan and he has actually torn the ligament at the bottom of his hamstring. That will need surgery and he will be out for a minimum of three to four months.”

The news will come as a massive blow to Gray, who is already without Mark Hughes for the weekend trip to Crewe through suspension but efforts to bring in a couple of new faces has hit a stumbling block as a deal to bring in Polish defender Marcus Adamski fell through this week.

Gray explained, “I thought we’d agreed a deal with Marcus Adamski who’s been on trial with us but unfortunately the agent kept moving the goalposts at the last minute and that deal has fallen through.”

“We are working very hard to bring someone in on loan and hopefully that will happen before Saturday. Nothing is cut and dried until the ink is on the contract but I’m quite confident that the deal will happen.”

Brett Johnson, who performed well in the reserve game in midweek could come into contention at the weekend alongside Liam Dolman but let’s hope we can get some more cover in to work through this latest blow to the side.

No Saints 4-2 The Players...No Saints Promoted!

After four seasons, over twenty players used and endless journeys home in despair, No Saints have finally rose up from the ashes and are promoted to League One after last night’s heroic performance against The Players resulting in a 4-2 win.

The stage was set early on as The Closers failed to turn up for their game against Red Star Five, meaning that we only needed to win and hope that Posh slipped up against bottom club Kashima Antlers. We focused on getting our win first though and in a hard fought game came out on top.

Andy was missing through a stomach upset while Will and Phil are long term absentees though both are coming along well in their recoveries. Phil was there to cheer us on with Martha and Kerry and they witnessed the greatest night in No Saints history unfold in front of their eyes.

Abib got the ball rolling with a superb strike from just inside The Players’ half but our skilful opponents equalised soon after. Dave was back in the goals to put us 2-1 ahead before Nathan struck for 3-1. The Players got one back just before half time though to set up the most nervy of second halves,

The Players pushed us back with No Saints happy to play on the break and goalkeeper Aaron had to be alert with a string of good saves and some that flashed off him and trickled wide. I sliced a clearance just past my own post as the nerves really kicked in but we knew what we were playing for and dug in late on. With four minutes to go, the final breakthrough came as I fed a quickly taken free kick into Abib’s path and he coolly finished to make it 4-2 and send our fans and players into raptures! Abib’s new celebration was again on show before we stuck out the final few minutes against a demoralised Players side.

Just before full-time I got cramp and had to be replaced and I was on the floor in agony as the final whistle went and we confirmed a fine win. What we didn’t know was what was around the corner when we asked for the other result.

Kashima had beaten Posh 4-3. We had done it! After for long seasons of battling it out on cold evenings in Eastleigh, meeting many a new face and not quite getting it right we have done it! We now have a settled squad that will be even stronger when Will and Phil return and the team spirit before, after and during the game couldn’t be better. Promotion is ours and it’s a testament to the strength of the players that stayed and the players that arrived and stuck with us despite our status in the lower part of the league to begin with.

We now head into next weeks potential title decider with Red Star Five full of confidence and with absolutely nothing to lose. We would still have to win both our remaining games to take home the title but it’s in our hands and promotion was the main thing.

A new and exciting chapter began a few weeks ago for No Saints but the story, I feel, is just getting started!

The Midweek Review...14/11/07...

A draw at Darlington followed by a chance of Walsall at home in round two sets us up for a busy couple of weeks should we see off Darlo in the replay. Not many would have grumbled after a draw at the Reynolds Arena but injuries and suspensions began to grow.

It’s going to take a replay in order for the Cobblers to set up a double whammy against Walsall in late November/early December but as strange as it would be to play the same fixture twice in a row you’ll hear no complaints from Sixfields if that is the case. Darlington away was always going to be a tricky encounter and despite a dull game it sounds like we did well to come away with a replay.

Colin Larkin partnered Poul Hubertz in attack as both Andy Kirk and Brad Johnson were rested. Johnson was called upon early on thanks to Chris Doig’s injury but either way it was a surprised to see both Johnson and Kirk dropped to the bench. Fair play to Colin Larkin though who struck the vital equaliser and set up the replay next week. I fully expect Kirk to be back in the starting line-up on Saturday at Crewe but Larkin could be pushing for another start.

Both Chris Doig and Mark Hughes will be missing at Gresty Road, meaning that a very inexperienced central defensive pairing of Liam Dolman and Brett Johnson could be starting the game. That is unless Stuart Gray can use his contact list to bring in a loan before the end of the week. It’s a shame Alex Pearce has signed for Bournemouth on loan as he would have been a solid replacement.

Giles Coke continued his return from injury with 90 minutes in the reserve game with Peterborough United and may well be back before Christmas with a couple more reserve games under his belt. The midfield is looking a bit lightweight at the moment and Cokes’ return could be a real boost to the side. What we must warn against, though, is hailing the former Mansfield Town man as a messiah in waiting…we’ll only be disappointed when he doesn’t make winding runs and scores from 40 yards as some expect him to come in and do!

Crewe away has been a relative goal fest in recent years, with a 2-2 draw up at Gresty Road in the opening game of last season and a 3-3 draw I recall from a few years before. We’re not scoring or conceding a great deal at the moment though so I expect a little less goal mouth activity this time around.

I’m hoping to make the long journey up from Southampton to Crewe on Saturday, leaving at an ungodly hour of Saturday morning to make a day of it so hopefully it won’t turn out to be an awfully long journey home aboard Virgin trains!

On Tuesday we face the replay against Darlington and a glamorous home tie with Walsall awaits the winners. OK, it’s not the biggest incentive but it’s a winnable game and would be a real chance of making the prestigious Third Round.

Up The Cobblers!

No Saints vs The Players Preview...

No Saints could be promoted this evening with elevation to League One occurring if we win and results go our way. We take on The Players, a mouthy bunch from previous reports, and a repeat of our victory over them last time out would mean that we would be just a point away from promotion. But if our rivals slip up as well we’ll be promoted tonight!

Andy faces a late fitness test with a stomach pain while Will is still missing with his broken wrist. Phil is close to a return but this season may come too soon for his comeback.

If last weeks’ forfeit win over the Closers was a big step towards promotion, a win tonight would be a giant leap. Hopefully the injuries won’t be too bad and we come through it in style.

Come on the Whites!

F.A. Cup Second Round Draw...

The Cobblers will play Walsall twice in two games should we progress into Round Two of the F.A. Cup. Yesterday’s draw paired the Cobblers or Darlington with the Saddlers and if we make it through the replay, we’ll be playing Walsall twice in a week!

The F.A. Cup Second round is scheduled for the weekend of December 1st and 2nd while the Cobblers are due to play Walsall at Sixfields a week before, on November 24th. Darlington showed that they won’t be beaten easily though as we had to fight back from a goal down to draw at the Darlington Arena at the weekend.

The Cobblers’ First Round replay with Darlington has been confirmed as a 7:45pm kick off on Tuesday, November 20th.

Darlington 1-1 Northampton Town

Colin Larkin’s equaliser ensured that the Cobblers go into the draw for the F.A. Cup Second Round tomorrow afternoon but will have to get there via a replay after League Two Darlington hold us to a 1-1 draw.

The Cobblers began with a five-man defence with Danny Jackman called back to the starting line-up after coming off the bench on Tuesday night. Joe Burnell, Ryan Gilligan and Andy Holt started in midfield but the main surprise came up front with Colin Larkin partnering Poul Hubertz and top scorer Andy Kirk dropping to the bench. Brad Johnson was also rested and started on the bench alongside Kirk.

After an even start to the game, Darlington were in front. In the eighth minute, Gregg Blundell struck from twelve yards out past Mark Bunn. Chris Doig was injured in the build up to the goal and a suspected hamstring injury meant that Stuart Gray had to shuffle the pack, bringing on Brad Johnson in Doig’s place.

Johnson was in the action soon after coming onto the pitch, heading a Danny Jackman corner wide of the post. Darlington hit the post on twenty minutes as Micky Cummings shot from the edge of the area but although the ball beat Bunn, it scraped the outside of the upright.

Colin Larkin equalised for the Cobblers on twenty-five minutes as the Cobblers hit back. Larkin was set up from a free kick and curled a shot past David Stockdale. Liam Dolman went off the pitch for treatment before half time but returned during the five minutes of added on time. The half ended 1-1 though and all to play for the second 45.

The first chance of the second half fell to Brad Johnson but his header sailed safely over the crossbar. Andy Holt then latched onto the end of a long throw but flicked a shit just wide.

On the hour, some good Darlington build up saw Julian Joachim cross in but Warren Cummings headed over when Gregg Blundell was in a better position behind him. Andy Kirk came off the bench just after the hour mark, replacing Poul Hubertz.

With about ten minutes to go, Micky Cummings headed wide of Mark Bunn’s left hand post but he was back peddling and couldn’t get a good enough connection to the ball to test the Cobblers keeper.

Late on, Darlington went with three up front as Pawel Abbott came off the bench, replacing Jon Brackstone. Liam Dolman had a half chance for the Cobblers but his shot curled onto the roof of the net.

Jason Crowe came forward to try and grab a late winner but his long-range effort sailed harmlessly wide. Pawel Abbott shot over the bar following a corner but the game ended 1-1 and we’re at least in the hat for round two tomorrow afternoon.

The replay will take place at Sixfields on Tuesday, November 20th.

Darlington (A) F.A. Cup First Round Preview...

The Cobblers begin their F.A. Cup quest tomorrow afternoon at the Darlington Arena, travelling north to face League Two Darlington for a place in round two. The Quakers are flying high in the league and will provide a stern test for Stuart Gray’s side.

The Cobblers have had clearance for Wolves loanee Daniel Jones to play in the cup but Alex Russell has been refused by parent club Bristol City to play any part in the game. Giles Coke is still a couple of weeks away from full fitness. Brett Johnson and Ian Henderson are both out but Andy Holt will be pushing for a start after coming off the bench on Tuesday night.

Two of Darlington’s loan players, striker Matt Green and winger Johann Smith, have headed back to their clubs after month loan spells. Striker Pawel Abbott could return after a knee injury that’s kept him out of the last few weeks.


THE STORY SO FAR…DARLINGTON IN 2007/08…

The Quakers sit in 5th place in League Two after a good start to the season sees them amongst the early pace setters.

Darlington started the season with seven points from their opening three games with wins over Wrexham (2-0) and Accrington Stanley (3-0) followed by a 2-2 home draw with Notts County, Tommy Wright and Ian Miller with their goals.

In a mixed month of September, the club started and ended the month with draws with Macclesfield and Peterborough respectively while in between came 2-0 wins over Rotherham and Lincoln and a single goal defeat at MK Dons.

October began with a 1-1 home draw with Rochdale, Tommy Wright giving Darlington the lead before Rory Prendergast equalised late on. They won their next two games with ease, 3-0 at Dagenham and 4-0 at home to Stockport County, either side of a JPT exit to Leeds United.

Goalless draws at Bradford and at home to Chesterfield prevented the Quakers from pushing towards the top of the table while a 5-1 reverse at Hereford United last weekend pushed them out of the top three. But the side came back with a Tuesday night success at home to Shrewsbury Town as Julian Joachim and Joe Colbeck grabbed the goals.

Darlington go into the game unbeaten at home in the league, their only defeat at the Darlington Arena coming at the hands of Leeds United in the JPT.


RECENT MEETINGS…

15/04/06: DARLINGTON 0-1 COBBLERS

Scott McGleish taps in the only goal of the game from a Josh Low cross to give the Cobblers a vital three points on the way to automatic promotion.

01/10/05: COBBLERS 0-0 DARLINGTON

Sixfields stalemate in early October as the Quakers frustrate us and come away with a point.

15/01/05: COBBLERS 1-1 DARLINGTON

Adolfo Gregorio puts the visitors in front after just seven minutes but a David Galbraith thunderbolt equalised for the Cobblers with just three minutes to go.

18/09/04: DARLINGTON 1-1 COBBLERS

Steve Morison equalises a first half strike from Craig Hignett to give us a share of the spoils.

17/02/04: DARLINGTON 1-2 COBBLERS

Chris Willmott scores an own goal early in the second half of the game but two goal in a minute from a Martin Smith penalty and Marc Richards’ first league goal for the club turned the game dramatically in the Cobblers’ favour.

22/08/03: COBBLERS 1-0 DARLINGTON

Martin Smith scores the only goal of the game in early season in one of Martin Wilkinson’s only victories at the helm.


FOR THE RECORD…QUAKERS v COBBLERS…

GAMES PLAYED: 60
DARLINGTON WINS: 18
DRAWS: 20COBBLERS WINS: 22

The Midweek Review...07/11/07

Two defeats in two home games have dropped the Cobblers back down into the bottom half of the table so it is with perhaps a little relief that the F.A. Cup comes around this weekend to provide a break from the league action.

Saturday’s game against Southend was a massive test but by all accounts it was a decent performance against a side that should be in the promotion mix come the end of the season. The frustrating thing was that Adam Barrett was given time and space to score yet another header at Sixfields after copy cat goals a couple of seasons ago that gave Southend a 2-1 win. The one goal was enough at the weekend and Southend took home the points once again.

Despite the defeat, there were plenty of positive noises coming from the home fans and if Andy Kirk had put his spot kick, our first in ten months, the right side of the post we may have been looking at an entirely different result. It’s just our luck that we wait all this time to get one penalty awarded for us and when it comes around we miss it!

The result wasn’t as disappointing as it could have been as we had put in a positive effort against the Shrimpers but the same couldn’t have been said for Tuesday nights’ dismal performance against Bristol Rovers.

Bristol Rovers had been beaten in their previous six visits to Sixfields and this in itself was a bad omen ahead of the game. Any other team would see that record and think of it as a positive but I defy any Cobblers fan that honestly saw the record and smiled! It’s a part of Cobblers law that any side struggling for form will cause us problems.

So it was kind of inevitable when the goal went in, another header from another Cobblers tormentor of the past Rickie Lambert, and we went down 1-0 once again. The difference in performance was evident in reports from the game and we have to pick ourselves up again for the tough trip to Darlington in the F.A. Cup this weekend.

The game is our final chance at a cup run this season, having gone out in round one of every competition so far but Darlington will be fancying their chances of success on their home ground. Last season we were knocked out by much lesser opponents at the time in Barnet at Underhill and any sort of performance like that will bring disaster at the Reynolds Arena.

But we have to stick behind the players and Stuart Gray as a big test of character comes about on Saturday. It’s a time when performances and results have dropped a little but we know what we’re capable of, know what we can do on our day and we can only get behind the team as we get through a tough patch. Hopefully we’ll be back on form at Darlington and be in the hat for round two!

Up the Cobblers!

No Saints 3-0 The Closers (No show from The Closers)

No Saints recorded a forfeit win last night as the Closers failed to turn up for the game, leaving us five points clear of third place!

We had a friendly organised for us against a side that were previous winners of the Premier League and put up a superb battle in a game that tested us against a much better side. In the end we went down 7-3 but our three goals, scored by Abib (with all new goal celebration), myself and Nathan will mean we get a 3-0 win over the Closers.

The bad tempered Bitterne Mannor side that we played used strong arm tactics in the "friendly" with blatant shoving of players to the floor, awful challenges and a general bad manner but No Saints were strong and enjoyed the game as usual.

Next week we take on the Players (another no show last night) in a game where victory would take us to within a point of promotion!

No Saints vs The Closers Preview...

In the biggest game in No Saints history so far, the mighty whites come up against The Closers, a side we beat 2-1 last time out. The Closers sit in third place while No Saints are in second and victory for us would guarantee us a five point gap between ourselves and third place with three games to play.

The Closers were a strong outfit last time out and included a giant of a forward who very nearly got himself a blue card. We went 2-0 up only for The Closers to score with a minute to go to set up a frantic finale. But we hung on and now we lead them by two points going into the game with promotion within our grasp if we win this evening.

Will Farr misses the rest of the season with a broken wrist, sustained in last week’s 6-2 win over Kashima Antlers but we should still have seven players in what is shaping up to be a landmark game in the four season history of the club.

Come on the Whites!

Northampton Town 0-1 Bristol Rovers

Bristol Rovers sent the Cobblers to a second successive home defeat, as Rickie Lambert’s header was enough to give them the points in a dismal evening at Sixfields. The Cobblers were poor and never really looked a threat to the visitors who won for the first time in eleven games.

Ryan Gilligan kept his place in the starting line-up in the Cobblers midfield while Alex Russell shook off a knee problem to join him. Stuart Gray went for a five-man defence with Daniel Jones and Jason Crowe acting as wing backs. For Rovers, both former Cobblers players Chris Carruthers and Richard Walker started on the bench.

The visitors had the first chance of the game with Cobblers fans still streaming into Sixfields inside the first minute. A corner was swung into the Town area and Steve Elliott hit a great chance wide with his left foot.

Elliott again got free from another corner after five minutes but luckily for the Cobblers, their poor marking wasn’t punished and the Rovers man headed over.

Brad Johnson struck well wide on twenty minutes as the Cobblers looked to get going after a poor start to the game. Mark Hughes went into the book shortly after and he will miss a game after picking up his fifth caution of the season.

On the half hour mark, Daniel Jones swung in a free kick but the ball was headed away by a Rovers defender for a corner. With five minutes to go to half time, Jason Crowe did well down the right hand side and set up Ryan Gilligan but the Cobblers midfielder fired well over the bar.

Sean Rigg came close to giving Rovers the lead just before half time as he was sent clear but his shot unluckily hit the post, hit the back of Mark Bunn and rolled out for a corner.

A poor first half came to an end though as neither side could get a hold of the game.

Mark Bunn went down low to save from Stuart Campbell early in the second half but the save was comfortable for the Cobblers stopper. Ryan Gilligan gave us our first real effort on goal of the second half on the hour mark as he hit a shot from distance but it went just wide.

Seconds later, Brad Johnson came forward and created an opening for Andy Kirk who shot just wide of the near post as the Cobblers brightened up. Stuart Gray made his first change of the evening as Andy Holt replaced Mark Hughes just after the hour.

Rickie Lambert struck just over the bar with a first time shot as Rovers had the best chance of the second half coming from the former Rochdale man but the visitors were ahead on seventy minutes. A corner from Stuart Campbell was headed home by Lambert from six yards out.

Colin Larkin was brought on with fifteen minutes to play, replacing Brad Johnson.

Andy Kirk was put through with a good chance as the Cobblers desperately tried to get back into the game but the defender caught him and got a challenge in on time to deny the Cobblers’ top scorer.

Daniel Jones was the final Cobblers substitution as Danny Jackman replaced him.

With just a minute to go, Colin Larkin crossed and Poul Hubertz nodded the ball back across goal but Jason Crowe couldn’t make contact at the far post.
But that was the last real effort on goal and Bristol Rovers recorded their first win in eleven games, sending the Cobblers crashing to our second home defeat in the space of a few days.

Bristol Rovers (H) Preview...

The Cobblers welcome Bristol Rovers to Sixfields tomorrow evening, looking to bounce back from the weekend defeat to Southend United. Newly promoted Rovers come into the game in the lower reaches of the League One table but will still be a stern test under former Cobbler Paul Trollope.

Stuart Gray has no new injury worries ahead of the game but Joe Burnell and Brett Johnson were injured towards the end of last week, making them miss the Southend game. Alex Russell looks set to play despite having a knee problem.

Sean Rigg is set to start for Rovers despite sustaining a blow to the head in Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Bournemouth but defender Byron Anthony remains on the sidelines, possibly until the New Year.


THE STORY SO FAR…BRISTOL ROVERS IN 2007/08…

Rovers find themselves in 19th place in the league table following a run that’s seen them pick up just four points from their last nine games.

The season began with a couple of 1-1 draws in the league with Port Vale and Crewe Alexandra sandwiching a penalty shoot-out win over Crystal Palace in the League Cup. Joe Jacobson scored the only goal in their 1-0 win at Oldham before West Ham won 2-1 at the Memorial Ground in the second round of the League Cup.

An entertaining 2-2 home draw with Nottingham Forest was followed by a 2-1 success at Luton Town but that would turn out to be Rovers’ last win up to now.

Leeds took home a 3-0 win from Bristol before the Gas went to Carlisle and got a point in a 1-1 draw. A 3-2 defeat to Orient was followed by a home draw with Southend and an away point at Brighton.

Rovers’ season had begun to stutter and defeats at Hartlepool and Gillingham sandwiched another home draw with Yeovil. The last two games have seen further losses, 3-2 at Gillingham and 2-0 at home to fellow strugglers Bournemouth to leave Rovers at the wrong end of the table going into the game at Sixfields.


RECENT MEETINGS…

19/11/05: COBBLERS 4-0 BRISTOL ROVERS

Andy Kirk gives the Cobblers a two goal leads before the break including one penalty before Martin Smith and Pedj Bojic wrapped up a comfortable win.

07/10/05: BRISTOL ROVERS 0-0 COBBLERS

Stalemate at the Memorial Stadium just over a month before the Cobblers hammer Rovers at Sixfields.

03/01/05: BRISTOL ROVERS 3-1 COBBLERS

James Hunt and Christian Edwards fire the home side two goals in front before Eric Sabin grabs an 81st minute lifeline for the Cobblers. But Junior Agogo wraps up the points in stoppage time.

25/09/04: COBBLERS 2-1 BRISTOL ROVERS

Two early goals from Scott McGleish put the Cobblers into a commanding lead. Dave Savage scores with ten minutes to go but it’s not enough to save a point.

07/02/04: COBBLERS 2-0 BRISTOL ROVERS

Goals from Magno Viera and Martin Smith hand the Cobblers a home win en route to the League Two playoffs.

26/12/03: BRISTOL ROVERS 1-2 COBBLERS

Wayne Carlisle gives Rovers the lead with a penalty just after half-time but goals from Derek Asamoah and Richard Walker turn the game around at a rain drenched Memorial Ground.


FOR THE RECORD…COBBLERS v ROVERS…

GAMES PLAYED: 118
COBBLERS WINS: 47
DRAWS: 33ROVERS WINS: 38

Northampton Town 0-1 Southend United

The Cobblers slipped to a first home defeat in five as Adam Barrett headed home the only goal of the game to give Southend United victory. Andy Kirk missed a first half penalty while Daniel Jones hit the woodwork but it wasn’t to be for Stuart Gray’s men.

Poul Hubertz returned to the starting line up, as did Alex Russell, who has signed another one-month extension to his loan contract. Andy Holt started on the bench so Ryan Gilligan began the game in midfield.

After a delayed kick off due to Sixfields attendance rocketing past the 6,500 mark, Daniel Jones had the first real effort on goal but shot wide. Brad Johnson brought a great save out of visiting goalkeeper Steve Collis in the next attack before the main talking point of the first half as the Cobblers won a penalty for the first time in just under a year.

Top scorer Andy Kirk stepped up but blasted the spot kick against the post before hitting the rebound wide.

Mark Gower and Leon Clarke went close at the other end and Daniel Jones had a shot tipped onto the bar but the half ended goalless.

Just before the hour mark, we hit the woodwork for the third time as Andy Kirk’s chipped effort clipped the cross bar. Poul Hubertz headed wide just after but it was Southend that took the lead.

Adam Barrett, scorer of two headers a couple of years ago at Sixfields, rose at the back post to nod home what turned out to be the winning goal past Mark Bunn.

Andy Holt and Colin Larkin replaced Ryan Gilligan and Andy Holt as we looked to get back into the game but we couldn’t find a way through. Brad Johnson and Alex Russell went close late on but it was a frustrating end to the afternoon for the Cobblers.
We have an immediate chance to bounce back on Tuesday night as Bristol Rovers come to town and this defeat can be forgotten if we pick up the points against Paul Trollope’s men. The result leaves the Cobblers in twelfth place in the League One table.

Southend United (H) Preview...

The Cobblers take on Southend United tomorrow knowing that a win could take the side onto the brink of the playoff contenders and into our highest league position in almost ten years! Last time the sides met was the League Two Playoff semi-finals in 2004 where Southend won 1-0 on aggregate on course to promotion.

Stuart Gray is slowly getting his injured players back with Giles Coke only a couple of weeks away but Andy Holt is a doubt for the visit of the Shrimpers. Holt has a slight hamstring strain and could well miss out while Ian Henderson is still missing with his knee injury.

Southend are without left back Che Wilson who became the latest addition to the Shrimpers’ injury list this week with an Achilles problem. Goalkeeper Darryl Flahaven is still missing with a back injury but defender Garry Richards should return.


THE STORY SO FAR…SOUTHEND UNITED IN 2007/08…

Southend are in fifth place in League One after a poor start to the season was quickly turned around by Steve Tilson.

United began their campaign with a home defeat to Leyton Orient as the O’s recorded a 2-1 win at Roots Hall. Southend saw off Cheltenham in the League Cup but Leeds hammered them 4-1 at Elland Road to keep them on zero points early on.

The Shrimpers’ first win of the season came the following week though as Millwall were beaten 1-0 at Roots Hall before they beat Championship side Watford 2-0 in the League Cup.

Goals were flying in the next couple of weeks as Brighton scraped a narrow 3-2 win over United in the league before a 2-2 draw with Dagenham in the JPT ended with the League Two side progressing on penalties. Southend bounced back with a 3-0 league success over Gillingham and their season finally began to gather pace.

Oldham (1-0), Doncaster (3-2) and Port Vale (2-1) were all beaten either side of a League Cup exit at the hands of Blackpool and a draw with Bristol Rovers stabilised their position in the top six.

A big game with fellow high-flyers Tranmere saw Rovers end Southend’s good run but they bounced back the following week with a 3-0 win over Crewe. Nick Bailey, Gary Hooper and leading goal scorer Leon Clarke with a penalty scored the goals.

Victory at Walsall (1-0) set up another top of the table clash, this time with Carlisle United last weekend but it ended in another defeat as the Cumbrians took top spot in the table as Joe Garner scored the only goal.


RECENT MEETINGS…

21/05/05: SOUTHEND 1-0 COBBLERS

Fredy Eastwood’s controversial penalty sinks the Cobblers in the League Two playoff semi-final, second leg.

15/05/05: COBBLERS 0-0 SOUTHEND

Stalemate at Sixfields in the first leg of the League Two playoff semi-final. Andy Kirk goes closest for Town with a left footed shot just wide.

19/02/05: COBBLERS 1-2 SOUTHEND

Martin Smith puts the Cobblers ahead early on but two goals from Adam Barrett, the second in stoppage time, turned it around for the visitors.

30/11/04: COBBLERS 0-2 SOUTHEND (Football League Trophy)

First half goals from Lawrie Dudfield and Carl Pettefer are enough to see the Shrimpers through.

30/10/04: SOUTHEND 2-1 COBBLERS

Mark Gower and Wayne Gray strike to give the home side a two goal advantage. Eric Sabin scores late on but it’s not enough for Town.


17/04/04: COBBLERS 2-2 SOUTHEND

Leon Constantine slots a penalty home for Southend but Martin Smith’s spot kick equalises. Cobblers defender Paul Reid scores an own goal on the stroke of half time but substitute John Taylor heads home a late goal after coming off the bench to draw us level.


FOR THE RECORD…COBBLERS v SHRIMPERS…

GAMES PLAYED: 119
COBBLERS WINS: 52
DRAWS: 27
SOUTHEND WINS: 40